Happy New Year

Dear My Readers

It’s now just a few minutes have left to enter into the yet another New Year in our lives.

Let’s Praise God, because of His mercy we could able to see the New Year. As you enter into the New Year, kindly read the following Verses from the Bible.

May the good Lord bless each one of you, one who is reading these messages.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL.

New Year Messages

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Isaiah 60:20

Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Colossians 3:9-10

Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

Ezekiel 11:19

I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.

Psalm 98:1

Sing to the Lord a new song, or he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.

Ephesians 4:22-24

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Proverbs 23:18

There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

Revelation 21:5

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true

A Final Tip

1. Salvation offered free to all who simply on the Savior call.   

2. Missing by a little bit is missing all, you must admit.

3. When you’ve done your very best, be assured some heart was blessed.

4. People dying every day look to you to find the way.

5. Red or yellow, black or while, the pure in heart are God’s delight.

6. If the crowd can’t see your Savior, double-check your own behavior.

7. When you think that all goes wrong, just remember, God is strong.

8. Thinking of some good careers? God needs youthful volunteers.

9. Is sin harmless? Like a snake! Covers up that he’s fake.

10. When I find I’ve no concern, To the Throne I must return.

11. Show the little ones the way, so they’ll never go astray.

12. When your friends condemn, misjudge, Watch that you don’t hold a grudge.

13. If you don’t remove the weeds, you’ll produce too few good deeds.

14. Look for friends who love the Savior, showing it in their behavior.

15. Will you tremble or rejoice, when you hear the Savior’s voice?

16. Pills and shots may be okay, especially if your diet’s hay.

17. God may have to test you soon, just to keep your life in tune.

18. To the sinner go and tell that his life is doomed to Hell.

19. It’s not important who you are, but that your living’s up to par.

20. If we’re doing it for self, God may put us on the shelf.

21. In His business I will be, that’s the motto now for me.

22. “Faith” a subject that distresses? Leave with God, He always blesses.

23. Bitter thoughts won’t change a thing, better that you take the sting.

24. If you’re busy every day, Satan has to run away.

25. We can’t cover sin or cancer, there must be a better answer.

26. When you feel the Bible’s boring, spiritually you’re not scoring.

27. If you’re thankful to the brim, let it show by praising Him.

28. Saving for a rainy day? Money may lead you astray!

29. Freedom may not mean too much, till you’ve seen the devil’s cluth.

30. Some reject salvation’s plan; there’s no other hope for man.

31. People constantly in prayer know that they are in God’s care.

32. What you sow you always reap. Better think before you leap.

33. Never worry, never fear, for our God is always near.

34. Can’t be glad when others win? You may need some discipline.

35. Someday you will leave behind everything that’s by mankind.

36. Someday men will cry from Hell, “Why didn’t you take time to tell?”

37. A match, a lamp, a candle light, they shine a little, but not too bright.

38. Point jobs never do the trick, they only leave the heart sin-sick.

39. Selfish pride or jealousy isn’t Christian, you’ll agree.

40. God, who made both land and lakes, never, never makes mistakes.

41. When you’re busy as a bee, stop; take time to bend your knee.

42. Outstanding plans, ideas too, aren’t really good till carried through.

43. God, who all the sparrows feeds, is ever conscious of my needs.

44. Is the Lord you do reflect, then your friends will show respect.

45. Feel your singing’s not as rich? Spiritually you may be “off pitch”.

46. Every man deserves a chance, regardless of his circumstance.

47. Sharing makes you multiply; give his plan an honest try.

48. Detergents cannot clean within, they’re only good up to the skin.

49. Holding back a little part? All your trouble’s in your heart.

50. God’s main business is to “give”, but a Christian has the task to “live”.

51. When the Lord calls out your name, will you answer Him with shame?

52. Are you proud to own the name of your Savior’s power and fame?

53. Selling out to worldliness? You are sick; so convalesce.

54. When life seems very dark and drear, take in the light and banish fear.

55. A heart with interest and zeal will show a friend your faith is real.

56. No drastic change will come about, unless the roots of sin come out.

57. In Christ, I have my confidence, and trust in His omnipotence.

58. A life is rarely easily won until some sacrifice is done.

59. I cannot shun my neighbor’s need, but testify to him indeed.

60. Satan leads men blindly in, to a life of fear and sin.

Meaning of Honesty

The dictionary meaning is “cheat less person”. Whereas in the Bible the root meaning of the word honesty in “the sun’s ray” – “judged by sunlight”. Also may mean –

Truth

Psalm 51:6

Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place.

Integrity

Proverbs 11:3

The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.

Sincerity 

2 Corinthians 1:12

Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace.

No Lie

Revelation 1:5

And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

  To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood,

Walk in Light

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

Psalm 3:8

From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.

Thoughts on This Verse....

God is The Great Deliverer! That's his chosen expertise. Whether it was delivering the Israelites through the Red Sea from Pharaoh's army ages ago, or it is rescuing a sinner from sin and death through Christ today, our God is The Great Deliverer! So let's use today to repeatedly pray for people who need God's deliverance from sin, death, disease, family conflict, addiction, financial concerns, legal matters, mental illness, abuse, and temptation.

Luke 11:2-4

He said to them, "When you pray, say: "'Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.'"

Thoughts on This Verse....

We approach God as both the holy and almighty God who is to be worshiped in reverence and also as our Abba Father whom we approach as loving children.

Rather than needing long, ornate, and lofty prayers, God wants us to speak with him about the most basic everyday issues of our lives and know he hears us and responds to our spiritual and physical requests, doing what we need and blessing us with his grace.

Thoughts 

From the cowardice that dare not face new truth

From the laziness that is contented with half truth

From the arrogance that thinks it knows all truth,

Good Lord, deliver me. - Kenyan Prayer

Grant me, O Lord, to know what is worth knowing, to love what is worth loving, to praise what delights you most, to value what is precious in your sight, to hate what is offensive to you.  Do not let me judge by what I see, nor pass sentence according to what I hear, but to judge rightly between things that differ, and above all to search out and to do what pleases you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. - Thomas Kempis

Help me to spread your fragrance everywhere I go–let me preach you without preaching not by words but by my example–by the catching force, the sympathetic influence of what I do, the evident fullness of the love my heart bears to you. - John Henry Newman

Father God…You are Powerful!

Psalms 147:5-6

5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.
6 The LORD sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground.

Eternally Secure in Christ

Colossians 2:13-14

As Christians, many of us know we’re saved yet still wonder about eternal security. Does our behavior play a role in keeping our salvation? Examining what happened when we trusted Jesus as Savior will bring reassurance of how secure we are in Him.

While our behavior may not always reflect our new nature, any mistakes we make do not jeopardize our salvation. Remember, it’s not our actions but Christ’s work on the cross that changed everything. And nothing can undo a spiritual rebirth that came about through faith in Jesus (John 6:37).

Can’t leave it

Anything that comes between us and Lord is sin. What is it in your life? Games, Family, Social activities,
Television, Friends…

Whatever it is, if it gets between you and God, is sin.

Revival

Revivals begin with God’s own people; the Holy Spirit touches their heart anew, and gives them new fervor and compassion, and zeal, new light and life, and when He has thus come to you, He next goes forth to the valley of dry bones… Oh, what responsibility this lays on the Church of God! If you grieve Him away from yourselves, or hinder His visit, then the poor perishing world suffers sorely! – Andrew Bonar

How we have prayed for a Revival – we did not care whether it was old-fashioned or not – what we asked for was that it should be such that would cleanse and revive His children and set them on fire to win others. – Mary Booth

A revival is nothing else than a new beginning of obedience to God. – Charles Finney

Revival is falling in love with Jesus all over again. – Vince Havner

Joshua 11:15

As the LORD commanded his servant Moses, so Moses commanded Joshua, and Joshua did it; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses.

Thoughts on This Verse....

Joshua is one of my favorite Bible heroes. He was a great servant to Moses. He refused to be swayed by his peers or by the crowd when he spied out the Promised Land. He followed in the footsteps of a great leader and was a great leader himself — not an easy task! Joshua was vigorous and vital even in his old age.
Most of all, Joshua was obedient to God and did everything that God had commanded him to do, as well as what God had commanded Moses that he should do. In other words, Joshua was faithful!

New Testament Church Activities – 12-15

12 – Collections

Acts 11:29

The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea.

1 Corinthians 16:2

On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.

13 – Disputing’s

Acts 19:8-10

Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus.

This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.

14 – Confessions

Acts 19:18

Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done

James 5:16

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

15 – Church trials 

Matthew 18:1-5

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

   He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

New Testament Church Activities – (10-11)

10 – Preaching

Acts 2:14

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say

Acts 8:4-5

Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there.

Acts 8:35

Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

11 – Sending Missionaries

Acts 13:1-4

Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

      On Cyprus

   The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus.

Acts 15:36-40

Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work.

They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord

Galatians 2:9-10

James, Cephas and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised.

All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along.

New Testament Church Activities – 9

9 - Laying on of hands for inducement of the Holy Spirit and gifts.

Acts 8:14-19

When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

   When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 9:17-18

Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized,

Acts 19:1-7

While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”
  They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”

   So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”

  “John’s baptism,” they replied.

   Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all.

1 Timothy 4:14

Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

2 Timothy 1:6

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

New Testament Church Activities – (7 and 8)

7. Reports and business

Acts 4:23

On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them.

Acts 6:1-7

In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

   This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

   So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

8. Baptism

Acts 2:41

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Acts 8:12

But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Acts 16:33

At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized

New Testament Church Activities – (5 and 6)

 5. Prayers 

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 

6. Exercise of other gifts – healing, faith, and miracles.

Acts 3:6

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”

Acts 5:12-16

The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. 

As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.

Acts 8:5-8

Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was great joy in that city.

Acts 15:12

The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them.

Acts 19:11

God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.

New Testament Church Activities – (1-4)

1. Teaching doctrines

2 Timothy 4:2-4

Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.  For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,  and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

Acts 2:4

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

2. Exhortation by laymen

Hebrews 10:25

Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

3. The Lords Supper and a love feast

1 Corinthians 10:16-17

The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?  Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.

4. Scripture reading

Luke 4:16

And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read.

Colossians 4:16

And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea.

1 Thessalonians 5:27

  Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.

1 Timothy 4:13

I put you under oath before the Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.

What Jesus came to give us on this Christmas?

1. I want to save you from your sins

2. Be king of the Jews

3. Fulfill the law

4. Call sinners to repent

5. Give rest

6. Save from destruction

7. Give life for the church

8. Redeem from inequity

9. Seek and save the lost

10. Make a new covenant

11. Put away from men

12. Suffer for men

13. Ransom men

14. Preach and heal

15. Save the world not condemn it

16. Send fire on the earth

17. Be Salvation

18. Baptize in the Holy Spirit

19. Deliver from evil

20. Bring judgment

21. Give abundant life

22. Bear sickness

23. Be a light to the world

24. Give eternal life

25. Minister to men

26. Bring grace and truth

27. Do God’s will

28. Destroys Satan’s work

29. Be an example

30. Die for sins

31. Purify unto Himself a peculiar people.

Just a little late

A young man was sentenced to die for a crime that his family knew he had not done. The day of his execution was coming closer. His brother felt that if he could get certain information and present it to the governor, he would be able to get a pardon for his condemned brother.

After a few days, much expense, and loss of income, he finally secured the information that he had hoped to get earlier, and presented it to the governor. Immediately a pardon was issued.

But by the day of execution had arrived. In just one hour his brother would die. He took the pardon, which was signed by the governor, and started out for the prison.

Finally he arrived at the place of execution. Running up the steps he showed the pardon with the governor’s signature to the guard. But all he saw was a look of sadness on the face the guard.

“I have a pardon for my brother’s life,” he called. But the guard only shook his head. “It is too late, sir; your brother died ten minutes ago.”

The young man began to think he had wasted; a minute here and a minute there. He knew if they were all put together they would far more than ten minutes. If only he had hurried a little more, he could have reached the place of execution in time. But now, it was too late.

How concerned are you for the eternal welfare of people who do not know Christ, those who are dying in sin? Do you care enough to make some sacrifices? Are you hurrying to them with the Gospel? Are you interested enough to show them the pardon that Christ provided on Calvary’s cross?

The message is urgent, the time is short. We cannot put off the job. Tomorrow may be too late. What we do for Christ must be done today.

Command give

Things about Giving

Command give

Luke 6:38

Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

Whom to give

Him that asks 

Matthew 5:42

Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.

Luke 6:30

Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back.

Needy saints 

Romans 12:13

Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

God

Colossians 3:17

 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Revelation 14:7

And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.”

Whom to Give

Give not only things to rebels 

Matthew 7:6

“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.

Give no place to Satan 

Ephesians 4:27

And give no opportunity to the devil.

Four main points of the Gospel

Death, Burial, Resurrection, and Manifestation.

Acts 10:39-41

And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree,  but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear,  not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.

Christ the judge of the healing and dead.

Acts 10:42

And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead.

Acts 17:31

Because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”

John 5:22

The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son,

Romans 2:16

On that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.

Matthew 25:31

When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.

Father God…You are Present! 

Psalms 139:7-10

7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

“Let’s”—Let

Light shine

Matthew 5:16 

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Luke 12:35 

“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning,

Conversation be yea, nay

Matthew 5:37 

Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

Enemy have cloak

Matthew 5:40 

And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.

Luke 6:29 

If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic.

Blind leaders alone

Matthew 15:14 

Leave them; they are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”

Everyone deny self

Matthew 16:24 

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Mark 8:34 

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Luke 9:23 

Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Merry Christmas

To all my Reader

No other day on the calendar catches the imagination of young and old alike as does Christmas.

It is a high and holy day—a day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of the infinite.

It is a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem…and we hear through the  muted ears of materialism the flutter of angels’ wings…we see the tenderness of a mother with her first born Son…we feel the softness of a Baby.

Christmas…it is the day that we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Wishing You, Your Family and Friends

A Blessed Season

And A Very Happy New Year.

May The Peace And Joy of Christmas Remain With You

Through Out The NEW YEAR.

Luke 2:11

Today in the town of David a Savior is born to you; He is Christ the Lord.

Titus 2:11

For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing Salvation to all people.

Edwin James
December 25, 2016

Advice: Live in Peace

Ecclesiastes 4:5-6

The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.   Better is a handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.

Man dislike the beasts, but their spirits go to different places

Ecclesiastes 3:18-22

I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.   For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.  

All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.   Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?   Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?

Vanity: A Miser’s Life

Ecclesiastes 4:7-8

Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.   There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.

Advice: Two are better than one; reasons

Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.   For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.  

Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?   And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Divine Wisdom

* It is no small thing to be on terms of friendship with God.

* Obedience is the fruit of faith; patience, the bloom of the fruit.

* Do not be discouraged; it may be the last key in the bunch that open the door.

Who exactly are we to pray for?

1. Our enemies

Luke 6:28

Bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you

2. Our friends

James 5:16

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

3. Our families

2 Samuel 7:17

In accordance with all these words, and in accordance with all this vision, Nathan spoke to David.

4. Ourselves

Psalm 50:1

The Mighty One, God the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.

5. Our fellow men

1 Timothy 2:1

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,

6. Our fellow workers in Christ

2 Thessalonians 3:1

 Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you,

7. Our fellow members in the church

Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

Classes to Comfort

One another – fellow Christians

1 Thessalonians 4:18

 Therefore encourage one another with these words.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

The feeble minded

1 Thessalonians 5:14

And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.

Psalm 11:7

For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face.

Thoughts on This Verse....

Can you think of any greater promise for those who seek to be righteous and just? We will see God face to face! Incredible. What a blessing! What a future! What an incredible Father! So let's seek our Abba Father, the LORD God, with all heart and soul and mind and strength until that day that we get to see him as he is, face-to-face with God in all his glory (1 John 3:1-3).

Father God…You are Sufficient! 

2 Corinthians 3:5-6

5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.

6 He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

1 Corinthians 11:23-24

For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me."

Thoughts on This Verse....

Remember Jesus! Remember his great sacrifice. Remember his incomparable love for you! Remember him through his Supper! Remember Jesus!

God no respecter of persons

Acts 10:34-35

So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.

Deuteronomy 1:17

 You shall not be partial in judgment. You shall hear the small and the great alike. You shall not be intimidated by anyone, for the judgment is God's. And the case that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it.’

Deuteronomy16:19

 You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality, and you shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of the righteous.

2 Samuel 14:14

We must all die; we are like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God will not take away life, and he devises means so that the banished one will not remain an outcast.

2 Chronicles 19:7

For God shows no partiality.

Ephesians 6:9

Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.

James 2:9

But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

John 10:11

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Thoughts on This Verse....

Isn't it absolutely unbelievable that the Supreme God of the universe would love us so generously! Yet he has shown his love for us in the past through Jesus. He will dramatically show his love for us again when Jesus returns — not to give his life for us, but to share his life with us! Come, sweet Shepherd, come!

First missionary team of the early church

Acts 11:25-26

So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

Acts 13:1-3

Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.  While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”  Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

Father God…You are Holy!

Isaiah 6:1-3

1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple.

2 Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.
3 And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”

Romans 12:16

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Thoughts on This Verse....

"Don't be conceited!" That's a command for someone else, right? I don't think I've ever met someone who felt he or she was conceited. But, when we're looking for someone with whom we want to associate, we seldom look for someone ignored by the crowd, forgotten by the pretty people, and easily overlooked by others.

We want to "hang around with" those who are important, who are superstars, or at least who carry some clout. We believe we deserve to be noticed and valued, too. Oops, guess that's where the commands in this verse come from!

What to Give?

Things about Giving

What to Give?

Holy things

Matthew 7:6

“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.

Matthew 10:8

Heal the sick, raise the dead, and cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.

Give thanks 

Ephesians 5:20

Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Philippians 4:6

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Colossians 3:17

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Give time reading, exhortation, doctrine

1 Timothy 4:13

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching

Give self wholly

1 Timothy 4:15

Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.

Give glory to God

Revelation 14:7

And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.”

“Let’s” – Let

Every woman own husband

1 Corinthians 7:2

But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.

The married satisfy each other in due relationship

1 Corinthians 7:4-5

For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.  Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

Then who cannot restrain marry

1 Corinthians 7:9

But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
Husband and wife remain unmarried if they separate or, be reconciled

1 Corinthians 7:11

 But if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife.

The believing depart who refuse to remain

1 Corinthians 7:15

But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace.

Every man abide in his calling

1 Corinthians 7:17-24

Live as You Are Called

 Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches.  Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision.  For neither circumcision counts for anything nor circumcision, but keeping the commandments of God. 

Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called.  Were you a bondservant when called? Do not be concerned about it. (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.)  For he who was called in the Lord as a bondservant is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a bondservant of Christ. 

You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men.  So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.

Christ the judge to the healing and dead

Acts 10:42

And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead

Acts 17:31

Because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”

John 5:22

The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son,

Romans 2:16

On that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.

Matthew 25:31

When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.

First missionary team of the early church

Acts 11:25-26

So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people.

And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

Acts 13:1-3

Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”  Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

Second coming of Jesus

Second coming of Jesus a subject of all the prophets.

Matthew 16:17-18

And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.  And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Acts 3:14-16

But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses.  And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.

Free Choice between life and death

John 3:14-16

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

 For God So Loved the World

 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

First persecution – arrest of Peter and John

Acts 4:1-3

And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.  And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening.

Acts 5:17

But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy

Acts 5:25

And someone came and told them, “Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.”

Acts 8:1

And Saul approved of his execution.      

And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

Acts 9:1

But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest

Acts 12:1

About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church.

Father God…You are Timeless!

Isaiah 43:11-13

11 I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior.

12 I have revealed and saved and proclaimed— I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “that I am God.

13 Yes, and from ancient days I am he. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?”

Jeremiah 10:10

Keen intellect, a charming personality, or anything else, we must remember that God blessed us with these things so we could bless others and honor him!

 But the LORD is the true God; he is the living God, the eternal King...

Thoughts on This Verse....

There is only one true God. All others are false, mere pretenders to the throne of the Righteous One. Yet like the Athenians in Acts 17, our world continues to place idol after idol in the place that should be reserved for God alone. But, we can be different! We can live as radiant examples of the God of justice, righteousness, mercy, and grace. We can reflect his holiness, share his hope for the lost, and truly make a huge difference in our world. So let's get started doing it — today!
Divine Wisdom
"The opposite of joy is not sorrow. It is unbelief." - Leslie Weatherhead

"We have peace with God by the righteousness of Christ, and peace of conscience by the fruits of righteousness in ourselves." - Thomas Manton

"No God, no peace. Know God, know peace." - Author Unknown

Mark 8:29

"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ."

Thoughts on This Verse....

The sweetest confession we will ever make is this: I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and I want him to be Lord of my life. Let's say it again, out loud, to the glory of God the father. Then, let's commit that before the year ends, we're going to help someone else come to say it for the first time!

The Word of God

The Word of God gives peace and bodily healing to all.

Acts 10:36-38

As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed:  how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

Psalm 107:20

He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction.

Matthew 8:17

This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.”

Matthew 13:15

For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’

Mark 16:17

And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;

Romans 1:16

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

2 Corinthians 1:20

For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.

1 Peter 2:24

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

Gospel first offered to Israel

Matthew 10:6

But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Romans 1:16

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Acts 3:26

God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.”

Prayer for power to preach and confirm the gospel

Acts 4:23-30

When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them.  And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit,      

“‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves,  against the Lord and against his Anointed’—  for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel,  to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.

And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

Mark 16: 17-20

And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

  So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.  And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.]]

Lord Jesus

He takes us to other side – not to the middle of the lake to be drowned!


Waiting Period

Give God time to speak to you and reveal His will. He is never too late; learn to wait.

Promised Land

God may not give us an easy journey to the Promised Land, but He will give us a safe one.

Ask in the name of Jesus

What mortal mind can realize the full significance of the position to which our God lovingly raises His little children?

He seems to say, “All my resources are at your command.” Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do.”

Fear Not…

Fear not, Christian; Jesus is with thee. In all thy fiery trials, His presence is both thy comfort and safety. He will never leave one whom He has chosen for His own.

“Fear not, for I am with thee,” is His sure word of promise to His chosen ones in “the furnace of affliction.

Your Destination

Pay as little attention to discouragement as possible. Plough ahead as a steamer does, rough or smooth – rain or shine.

To carry your cargo and make your port is the point.

Give us opportunities

Delayed answers to prayer are not only trials of faith, but they give us opportunity of honoring God by our steadfast confidence in Him under apparent repulses.

Vanity: Unequal Rewards

Ecclesiastes 8:14

There is a vanity that takes place on earth, that there are righteous people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the wicked, and there are wicked people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity.

Advice: Own Labor

And I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun.

Vanity: Man’s Careless Work

When I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done on earth, how neither day nor night do one's eyes see sleep,  then I saw all the work of God, that man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun. However much man may toil in seeking, he will not find it out. Even though a wise man claims to know, he cannot find it out.

Wisdom Better Than Labor

He who digs a pit will fall into it, and a serpent will bite him who breaks through a wall. He who quarries stones is hurt by them, and he who splits logs is endangered by them.

If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed.

Advice to the youth profit by experience of others:

Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun.

So if a person lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that comes is vanity.

Effect of a miracle upon the people

Matthew 8:27

And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”

Matthew 15:31

So that the crowd wondered, when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled healthy, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they glorified the God of Israel.

The power of Jesus’ name

Matthew 16:17-18

And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.  And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

John 14:12-15

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.  Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

 Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit

 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

John 15:16

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.

Divine Wisdom

Some complain because the rose has thorns; some give thanks because the thorns have roses." — Barbara Johnson

"One filled with joy preaches without preaching." — Mother Teresa

"The Bible talks plentifully about joy, but it nowhere talks about a "happy Christian." Happiness depends on what happens; joy does not. Remember, Jesus Christ had joy, and He prays "that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves."" — Oswald Chambers

First healing

First healing by the apostles since the Spirit baptism –

Matthew 10:1-8

And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.  The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;  Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;  Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

 Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles

 These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.  And proclaim as you go, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’  Heal the sick, raise the dead, and cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.

Mark 6:7-13

And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.  He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts—  but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics.  And he said to them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there. 

And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.”  So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent.  And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.

Acts 3:1-8

Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.  And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple.  Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms.  And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.”  And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 

But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”  And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong.  And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.

Power promised with the Holy Spirit Baptism

Luke 24:49

And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

Matthew 18:18

Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Remember death is certain: eight fold description of man’s body and death –

Ecclesiastes 12:3-7

In the day when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men are bent, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those who look through the windows are dimmed,  and the doors on the street are shut—when the sound of the grinding is low, and one rises up at the sound of a bird, and all the daughters of song are brought low—  they are afraid also of what is high, and terrors are in the way; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags itself along, and desire fails, because man is going to his eternal home, and the mourners go about the streets—  before the silver cord is snapped, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern,  and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

Take heed to the words of the wise –

Ecclesiastes 12:8-12

Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity.

 Fear God and Keep His Commandments

 Besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs with great care.  The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth.

  The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd.  My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

What all sinners must do?

Luke 13:1-5

There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.

Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

Luke 24:47

And that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Glorious state of the early church –

Acts 2:42-47

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.  And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.  And all who believed were together and had all things in common.

And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.  And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Acts 4:32

Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.

Acts 5:12

Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico.

Acts 6:1

Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.

Edwin James - An Evangelist

He has got desire, dreams and he is desperate to win the souls to Lord. He believes in the founder of Methodist Church - John Wesley’s statement: “World is my parish”. He feels that:

-    Multitudes who are in the depths of darkness have to be reached. Whole nations are in Spiritual graves. Somebody has to go down and do the job.

-    If not you and me, who else? If not here and now, where and how?

Being a son of Pastor (Late Rev. Elisha James) he committed his life very early in his life.

Lord has used him to share the Word of God to God’s people in Mumbai, India, S. Korea and America.

Besides regular preacher in all the denominations, he has been invited to preach many times in Revival Meetings.

Now as he is 72 years old he feels the urgency to reach the unreached with God’s Words to complete the “Great Commission” work (Mat. 28).

As the Lord leads you, you can reach him for the Lord’s work at:

E-mail: edwinjames44@gmail.com
Mob: 098203 54911

Nehemiah 9:30

For many years you were patient with them. By your Spirit you admonished them through your prophets. Yet they paid no attention, so you handed them over to the neighboring peoples.

Thoughts on This Verse....

God has spoken repeatedly to his people through the prophets who spoke as they were inspired by the Holy Spirit of God. But so often, these people ignored their voice and abandoned their God. Let's not let the same thing be said of us!

Romans 8:26-27

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.

Thoughts on This Verse....

Sometimes our prayers seem to bounce off the ceiling and fall to the floor. Other times, we are overcome with emotion and the words of our prayers can't capture what's in our hearts. Thank God for the assurance that the power of our prayers is not dependent upon our words, but upon his grace given us by the Holy Spirit's intercession!

Leviticus 10:3

Moses then said to Aaron, "This is what the LORD spoke of when he said: "'Among those who approach me I will show myself holy; in the sight of all the people I will be honored.'" Aaron remained silent.

Thoughts on This Verse....

God's holiness is unapproachable except through the gift of his grace. When we disregard God's holiness, we profane what is precious and sacred. God will be known and shown as holy; if not by his people, then by his action. Let's take our worship of God seriously, honoring him with our reverence and awe (Hebrews 12:28-29). But, let's not confine worship to only what we do in church. Let's realize that all of our life is worship (Romans 12:1-2) and live out our lives with a commitment to be holy in all we do (1 Peter 1:15-16) — in both the worship with our lips and the worship with our lives (He! brews 13:15-16).

The persecution of Jesus fulfilled – prophecy

Psalm 16:9-10

Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.

Psalm 110:1

The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”

God has made Jesus both LORD and CHRIST

Acts 2:36-37

That God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles,

“Brothers, what shall we do?”

Acts 4:26

The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed’—

All the prophets predicted the sufferings of Christ

Luke 24:25-27

And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!  Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?”  And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

Luke 24:44

Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”

Acts 3:24

And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days.

Even in the future tribulation

Even in the future tribulation men will be saved and baptized in the Holy Spirit –

Joel 2:28

“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, an  your young men shall see visions.

Zechariah 12:10-13

“And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn.  On that day the mourning in Jerusalem will be as great as the mourning for Hadad-rimmon in the plain of Megiddo. 
The land shall mourn, each family by itself: the family of the house of David by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of the house of Nathan by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of the house of Levi by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of the Shimeites by itself, and their wives by themselves;

Zechariah 13:7

Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, against the man who stands next to me,” declares the Lord of hosts.

Revelation 6:9-11

When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne.  They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 

Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.

Revelation 7:14

I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Advice: Live in Peace

Ecclesiastes 4:5-6

The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.   Better is a handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.

Man dislike the beasts, but their spirits go to different places

Ecclesiastes 3:18-22

I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.   For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.  


All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.   Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?   Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?

Vanity: A Miser’s Life

Ecclesiastes 4:7-8

Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.   There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.

Advice: Two are better than one; reasons

Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.   For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.  

Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?   And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Divine Wisdom

* It is no small thing to be on terms of friendship with God.

* Obedience is the fruit of faith; patience, the bloom of the fruit.

* Do not be discouraged; it may be the last key in the bunch that open the door.

Vanity: Raise a large family

Vanity – Raise a large family and then die a pauper:

Ecclesiastes 6:3-6

If a man fathers a hundred children and lives many years, so that the days of his years are many, but his soul is not satisfied with life's good things, and he also has no burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he.  For it comes in vanity and goes in darkness, and in darkness its name is covered. 

Moreover, it has not seen the sun or known anything, yet it finds rest rather than he.  Even though he should live a thousand years twice over, yet enjoy no good—do not all go to the one place?

Vanity: Desires and appetites are never satisfied:

Ecclesiastes 6:7-9

All the toil of man is for his mouth, yet his appetite is not satisfied.  For what advantage has the wise man over the fool? And what does the poor man have who knows how to conduct himself before the living?  Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the appetite: this also is vanity and a striving after wind.

Vanity: Continual questionings concerning of the good life:

Ecclesiastes 6: 10-12

Whatever has come to be has already been named, and it is known what man is, and that he is not able to dispute with one stronger than he.  The more words, the more vanity, and what is the advantage to man?  For who knows what is good for man while he lives the few days of his vain life, which he passes like a shadow? For who can tell man what will be after him under the sun?

Hosea 10:12

Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.

Thoughts on This Verse....

What a beautiful challenge! Even more beautiful is the promise that God will help us break up the unplowed ground in our hearts as we seek him. He will pour out his blessings and his righteousness on us as we pursue his righteousness.

Advice: Eight better things of life

Ecclesiastes 7:1-8

A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth.

It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart.

Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad.

The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools.

For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fools; this also is vanity.

Surely oppression drives the wise into madness, and a bribe corrupts the heart.

Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

Be not over righteous: Reasons

Ecclesiastes 7:15-16

In my vain life I have seen everything. There is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in his evildoing.  Be not overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself?

Be not over wicked: Reason

Ecclesiastes 7:17-18

Be not overly wicked, neither be a fool. Why should you die before your time?  It is good that you should take hold of this, and from that withhold not your hand, for the one who fears God shall come out from both of them.

Do not trust in might: Reason

Ecclesiastes 7:17-18

Be not overly wicked, neither be a fool. Why should you die before your time?  It is good that you should take hold of this, and from that withhold not your hand, for the one who fears God shall come out from both of them.

Spiritual Growth – Exercising

The new-born believers were scattered for the exercise of witnessing.

Acts 8:1

And Saul approved of his execution.

And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

Acts: 8:4

Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.

We are called to be witness

Luke 24:48

You are witnesses of these things.

Holy Spirit is given for witnessing

Acts 1:8

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Witnessing ends the world

Matthew 24:14

And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

1 Corinthians 9:27
No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Thoughts on This Verse....

"Practice what you preach!" "I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day." "Put your life where your mouth is!" Those of us who speak out most openly about our faith in Jesus also need to make sure that we hold ourselves accountable to the same standard we are calling others to follow.

A Ministry of hope, light and liberty

Galatians 5:1

 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Hebrews 7:19

For freedom C (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.

Father God…You are Steadfast!

Deuteronomy 31:6-8

6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

7 Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their forefathers to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance.

8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Divine Wisdom

* It is now possible to live a "Christian life" without doing the things that Jesus commanded us to do. "We have hired people to go into all the world, to visit those in prison, to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to care for widows and orphans. The average Christian doesn't have to do It.--Cal Thomas

* No one has the right to hear the gospel twice, while there remains someone who has not heard it once. -- Oswald J. Smith

. "There is not one blade of grass, there is no color in this world that is not intended to make us rejoice." — John Calvin

Contentment 

A true shepherd leads the way. He does not merely point the way.

Maturity 

Maturity comes from obedience, not necessarily from age.

Vanity: Love and Mercy

Ecclesiastes 5:10

He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity

Vanity: No justice or pleasure in life

Ecclesiastes 5:10

He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.

Advice: Be satisfied with full of your own labor

Ecclesiastes 5:11-12

When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes?  Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep.

Advice: Enjoy your own labor all the days of your life

Ecclesiastes 5:18-20

Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. 
Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God.  For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.

Vanity: No power to enjoy the many blessings of life

Ecclesiastes 6: 1-2

There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, and it lies heavy on mankind:  a man to whom God gives wealth, possessions, and honor, so that he lacks nothing of all that he desires, yet God does not give him power to enjoy them, but a stranger enjoys them. This is vanity; it is a grievous evil
Grateful for God

What an amazing God we serve. He’s not only sovereign and powerful but also infinitely loving, kind, and good.

We need never doubt His love or fear He’s unable to help. Even when everything around us changes, He remains the same.

Father God…You are good!

Psalms 34:8-9

8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

9 Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing.

Lamentations 3:25-26

25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;

26 it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.

Romans 12:11

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Thoughts on This Verse....

Jesus made it clear that God wants us to be passionate about our Christian life. "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — I am about to spit you out of my mouth." (Rev. 3:15-16) Let's live passionately for the Lord!

Proverbs 11:22

Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.

Thoughts on This Verse....

To take what is physically beautiful and then profane it with sin is to waste a great gift to bless someone who doesn't even have a clue why God gave it to her or him. No matter what gifts we have been given, whether physical beauty, athletic talent,

Divine Wisdom

* How often do we attempt work for God to the limit of our incompetency, rather than the limit of God's omnipotence? … J. Hudson Taylor

* This is how idolatry grows in our hearts.  We want things and we aren’t sure God will give them to us, so we put our trust in other gods. This is THE problem of the human heart—misplaced trust. We value, love, and trust something in creation more than the Creator, and since there is nothing in creation that is intended to bear the weight of our trust, we are bound to live in fear.  All other loves must be subordinate to your love for Christ.   Edward T. Welch

Vanity: Unbridled Lusts

Ecclesiastes 2:10-11

And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.   Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.

Vanity: Insecurity of Works

Ecclesiastes 2:18-19

Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me.   And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.
Blessings and Opportunities

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.   And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.

Man’s chief end of life

Ecclesiastes 3:14-15

I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.

   That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.

Man’s Wickedness and Judgment

Ecclesiastes 3:16-17

And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.  

I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.

Man’s work never satisfies

Ecclesiastes 1:8

All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.

Madness and folly

Ecclesiastes 1:15-18

That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered.   I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.  

And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.   For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.

Vanity: Personal Pleasures

Ecclesiastes 2:1-5

I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity.   I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it?  

I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life.   I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards:   I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits:

Vanity: Riches and Glory

Ecclesiastes 2:7-9

I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me:   I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts.  

So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.

Breathing

Spiritual Growth – When the early church was born, it continued in breathing – prayer. – Acts 2:42

It is to be without ceasing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you

Paul did it on his convention. – Acts 9:11

And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 

We have to do it also. – Colossians 4:2

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

Nourishment

The new-born believers continued in the nourishment of the Word – Acts 2:42

The Word of God is food – Jeremiah 15:16

Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.

Milk food is for babes – 1 Peter 2:2

Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—

Solid food is for the mature – Hebrews 5:14

But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

A Ministry of Suffering

2 Corinthians 11:23

Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death.

1 Corinthians 4:9

For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men.

Philippians 3:10

That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,